How to Get Ungated in Topical Category on Amazon?

Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces, offering immense opportunities for sellers. In recent years, the platform has made a concerted effort to promote cosmetics and skincare products, which have seen a significant rise in demand. However, for new sellers, listing topical products on Amazon can be confusing due to the platform’s strict guidelines and policies. Since these products come into contact with the skin, Amazon has implemented various safety standards to protect consumers and ensure the authenticity of health and beauty products. As a result, sellers must go through the "ungating" process to sell topical items.

If you're wondering how to get ungated for topical products, you've come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to get approval and start selling on Amazon.

What Are Topical Products on Amazon?

"Topical" refers to any product that directly interacts with the skin. This includes skincare products like creams, lotions, serums, ointments, and even cosmetics. To sell these items on Amazon, you must first go through the ungating process.

What Does Ungating Mean on Amazon?

As a new seller, you may not be familiar with all the terms related to selling on Amazon, and "ungating" can seem like a complicated term. Simply put, ungating means getting Amazon’s approval to sell restricted products. Amazon has 33 categories, but only 23 of them are either fully or partially open to all sellers. The remaining categories, including topical products, are "gated" (restricted). These measures are in place to protect the platform from counterfeit goods and to ensure the products sold are genuine.

By requiring sellers to go through the ungating process, Amazon ensures that only legitimate sellers can offer topical products, helping maintain consumer trust and platform integrity.

Why Are Topical Products Restricted on Amazon?

Topical products, such as skincare and beauty products, are restricted to protect consumers from counterfeit or substandard goods. Since these products come in direct contact with the skin, Amazon needs to ensure that only trusted suppliers and legitimate sellers are listing them. The gating process helps prevent sellers from offering used or fake items on the platform.

The restrictions also provide a sense of security for customers, knowing that any topical products they purchase on Amazon have been tested and meet Amazon’s standards. Sellers who go through the ungating process are granted access to a more exclusive marketplace with fewer competitors.

How to Check if You're Gated in the Topical Category

It’s easy to check whether you’re gated in the topical category. To do this, log in to your Amazon Seller Central account, go to the "Inventory" tab, and click "Add a Product." Try adding a product to your listing, and if the category is gated, you’ll see a blue "Apply to Sell" button instead of the usual "Sell Yours" button.

Alternatively, you can use the Amazon Seller app. Simply search for the product's ASIN, and if it displays a gray "Requires Approval" label, you’ll need to complete the ungating process before you can sell the product.

Steps to Get Ungated in the Topical Category

There are two main ways to get ungated in the topical category: doing it yourself or using a professional ungating service.

1) Self-Process for Ungating

If you choose to go through the ungating process yourself, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Professional Seller Account: You need to sign up for a Professional seller account (not an Individual account). The Professional account has a monthly fee of $39.99 and allows you to sell unlimited products.

• Good Seller Metrics: It's important to maintain good seller metrics, such as a low order defect rate, low cancellation rate, and low late shipment rate, to show Amazon that you're a legitimate seller.

• Ten Units of the Same Product: You must show Amazon that you've purchased at least 10 units of the same restricted product from a reputable wholesaler.

• Invoice: Obtain an invoice from the wholesaler that includes all the necessary details, which must match the information in your Seller Central account.

• Product Images: Provide clear images of the product, showing all sides of the packaging and including the name and physical location of the manufacturer or business.

Once you have all the required documents, log in to your Seller Central account, go to "Add a Product," and find the product you wish to sell. Click the "Apply for Approval" link, submit your documents, and wait for Amazon’s response.

2) Using Amazon Ungating Services

Alternatively, you can use a professional ungating service to simplify the process. Companies like specialize in helping sellers get ungated quickly and easily. With an ungating service, you can select your desired package, provide basic information, and let the experts handle the rest.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Approved?

If your application for ungating is rejected, don’t worry—you have the option to apply again. Before reapplying, carefully review the feedback from Amazon and ensure your documentation is correct. If you're unsure, you can contact Amazon's support team for clarification.

How Long Does It Take to Get Ungated?

The time it takes to get ungated can vary, but typically you’ll receive a response within a few hours to a few days. If you apply during business hours, you may get a quicker response.

Final Thoughts

Although the ungating process can seem challenging, it offers great rewards, including access to a larger customer base and reduced competition. While some categories, like topical and beauty products, require extra steps, the effort is well worth it. By following the steps in this article or working with an ungating service, you can successfully get approval to sell topical products on Amazon and tap into the growing demand for skincare and beauty items.